Fosamax® lawsuit attorneys actively pursue Fosamax injury claims

Fosamax lawsuit attorneys are actively pursuing claims against drug manufacturer Merck & Co. for reported adverse side effects associated with prescription drug Fosamax. Currently, the pharmaceutical giant faces a large number of lawsuits filed by individuals who claim to have suffered femur fracture injuries among other injuries.

In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fosamax use to treat a chronic condition known as osteoporosis. The drug works by strengthening bones and preventing breakage. However, claims have been reported to the FDA stating that Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs cause atypical femur fractures.

A causal linkage between long term use (considered to be 12 months or more) and femur fractures were determined in recent studies conducted by researchers of bisphosphonates. It was shown that drugs like Fosamax tend to slow down the rate at which the body replaces old bone with new bone leading to possible fractures which may be serious and life threatening. Some patients claim that femur fractures would occur spontaneously, especially during running or jogging.

The FDA issued a warning to consumers and health professionals regarding the increased risk for suffering femur fractures in 2008. In 2010, the FDA mandated that all bisphosphonate manufacturers update their warning labels to include the increased risk for fracture with long term use.

Other injuries allegedly caused by Fosamax include osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or “dead jaw,” atrial fibrillation, and esophageal cancer. Currently all femur fracture lawsuits have been consolidated and centralized in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

U.S. District Judge John Keenan ordered three Fosamax bellwether trials to occur this year, one in May, September, and November. Each Fosamax lawsuit against Merck alleges that the company failed to properly issue sufficient warnings regarding the risk for femur fracture injuries.